Blithfield Reservoir 10K

Saturday 23rd September 2017.

Report by Dave Marsden

We approached the reservoir down a narrow country lane from Abbots Bromley, parking in a field which overlooked the waters. The race headquarters and the start and finish areas were located at Blithfield Reservoir Sailing Club. It was a damp, grey morning with a light breeze blowing up the reservoir, but not cold and ideal for running.

The course followed a track up the side of the reservoir until it reached a road which crossed over the water. At the other end of the bridge, it turned off onto a track down the other side of the water, to a turning point at 5K. We then retraced our steps, along the track, over the bridge and back to the Sailing Club.. It was relatively flat, just a couple of humps on the far side to contend with.

The race was won by Ryan Friel, unattached, in 38:02. The first lady was Annabel Roberts also unattached, in 42:43. 134 runners finished. Harriers’ times were:-

Position

Name

Time

PB

Dave Marsden

48:37

John Finney

53:01

Lizzie Pellowe

01:05:40

September 5K time Trial

20th Sept 2017

Continuing on from August’s Time Trial, this was the fourth and last of several planned time trial events for the Juniors over the summer months, in which we had 14 run on this occasion, and who also ran with the adult improvers group along the disused railway track. The event is intended to monitor the Junior’s progress, and chart how they do, over time, and offer support and coaching accordingly. Thank you to all that helped with this event.

First Name

Surname

J/S

12-Apr-17

31-May-17

09-Aug-17

20-Sep-17

Michael

Bamber

S

28:31

29:08

–

Nick

Beckett

S

22:20

21:21

21:09

20:53

Jenni

Beckett

S

24:23

24:39

24:19

24:08

Harry

Beckett

J

27:54

28:25

29:55

30:37

Isabelle

Beckett

J

27:16

28:56

30:44

Matthew

Black

J

–

–

26:01

–

Olivia

Black

J

–

–

29:27

–

Matt

Bonney

J

18:39

–

–

–

Nicola

Bridgwood

S

–

–

–

31:04

Gemma

Brown

S

–

–

44:47

37:28

Naomi

Brownless

S

–

–

27:11

–

Mark

Burrows

S

23:15

–

23:51

–

Chloe

Burrows

J

–

–

29:34

27:31

Steph

Burrows

S

–

–

30:20

31:19

Joanne

Carson

S

–

–

28:55

–

Amy

Cartwright

S

–

–

29:13

–

Ben

Cook

J

20:20

–

–

18:46

Lorraine

Cotterill

S

–

–

32:35

–

Mel

Deakin

S

24:04

–

24:03

23:43

Mark

Deakin

S

–

25:03

24:54

24:14

Ben

Deakin

J

20:46

21:41

21:05

Liam

Duggan

S

20:30

20:13

20:27

20:02

Mandi

Edwards

S

–

–

39:59

–

Ruth

Edwards

S

–

–

–

26:43

Jane

Fletcher

S

–

–

–

38:45

Lorraine

Flory

S

–

32:06

–

Michelle

Fox

S

20:37

–

–

–

John

Freeman

S

24:43

–

23:32

–

Harvey

Freeman

S

–

–

32:21

–

Peter

French

S

–

–

34:31

34:51

Karl

Gillibrand

S

24:02

–

–

–

Robbie

Gorman

J

18:37

–

–

19:48

Gemma

Gray

S

–

31:55

–

Sarah

Gray

S

–

32:54

31:42

Justin

Green

S

–

19:21

19:43

19:11

Ben

Green

J

–

27:09

26:55

26:20

Alice

Hawkins

S

30:33

31:09

30:11

Ian

Heath

S

19:53

–

–

20:00

Jack

Heath

J

23:55

–

–

21:45

Claire

Heath

S

–

–

–

31:10

Dean

Hibbitt

S

–

–

22:57

22:38

Phil

Hilsdon

S

18:05

19:16

17:50

17:21

Matthew

Hilsdon

J

21:31

21:58

22:20

22:02

Karen

Hilsdon

S

–

30:24

31:05

31:27

Ian

Hodkinson

S

20:26

20:05

–

20:32

Alex

Jackson

S

27:04

–

–

–

Alix

Jackson

S

–

27:33

26:46

Rohiatou

Jobe

S

–

–

32:52

–

Andy

Jones

S

20:41

–

–

–

Ben

Jones

J

24:45

–

–

–

Lindzi

Jones

S

30:03

29:07

–

Alan

Jones

S

–

22:20

22:02

Saffron

Latham

J

–

–

–

26:51

Jason

Littlewood

S

–

20:35

19:25

Rachel

Marsden

S

–

–

29:48

–

Alison

Martland

S

33:31

36:13

–

Ellie

Mills

S

–

–

32:50

–

Maxine

Mills

S

–

–

31:01

30:13

Adam

Morris

S

–

–

28:15

–

Anthony

Nicholls

S

–

–

–

25:33

Daniel

Nicholsan

S

–

–

–

24:05

Jake

Oliver

J

21:29

22:29

–

27:23

Amber

Page

J

–

–

–

29:02

Farhana

Patel

S

–

–

–

36:43

Taygen

Pike

J

–

–

26:34

27:18

Claire

Pilsbury

S

27:14

–

–

–

Jonathon

Platt

S

–

–

26:42

24:32

Selina

Powell

S

–

26:02

26:43

Jakob

Reece

J

–

–

–

25:37

Charlotte

Reeves

S

27:19

–

28:05

–

Kerry

Robertson

S

–

–

–

25:38

Danielle

Salkind

S

–

–

44:47

–

Will

Sammons

J

19:47

–

20:24

–

Jack

Sammons

S

–

–

24:44

–

Lisa

Sanzeri

S

–

24:07

–

Caitlin

Saunders

J

26:01

24:48

27:03

26:58

Jim

Smith

S

–

–

23:31

–

Shirley

Smith

S

30:33

30:14

29:25

Samantha

Stone

S

–

–

–

29:55

Valerie

Stuart

S

36:06

38:02

37:47

37:17

Stacey

Terry

S

31:11

–

–

–

Michelle

Turner

S

–

–

37:41

–

Nick

Walklett

J

–

–

–

22:31

Rachel

Weaver

S

–

–

30:06

–

Rose

White

J

26:46

–

–

–

Mark

White

S

–

21:45

–

Keith

Wilson

S

–

–

28:36

27:40

Lucas

Wilson

J

–

21:46

–

St Thomas 7

September 17th 2017

Report by Graham Williams

Ten Harriers travelled to Upper Tean for the seventeenth race in the NSRRA series. As it was my turn to drive, I drove three youngish ladies – Chris Skellern, Tracy Riding and Karen Murray to the race. The highlight of the journey was over an inability to understand two GPS and a wayward fly in the car!

Race Headquarters was the local school where we collected our numbers and a long-sleeved tee shirt. The start was in a narrow country lane some ten minutes away. We ran in ideal cool weather but the sun came out later to make it a very pleasant day. The race was mainly on quiet country lanes with a couple of short road sections. However this is where the word undulating must have come from because there were lots of ups and downs with one section like a switch back. The last section was downhill with a sharp climb to the finish in a field. Here we were rewarded with a goody bag containing a medal, water and a pack of local oatcakes.

The winner of the race was Carl Moulton of Boalloy in 39.44 and first lady Kristina Defries of Trentham in 44.41. First home for the Harriers was Phil Hilsdon in a fantastic second place, wearing his new trainers for the first time! Matthew Hilsdon also had a great run to come second in the Fun Run and finished before his Dad.

Harriers results:

Phil Hilsdon

42.09

Ian Wood

49.34

Alan Jones

54.02

Chris Skellern

57.50

2nd L50

Roy Clay

58.23

2nd Group F

Tracy Riding

58.56

Eddie Smith

59.54

Debbie McDermot

60.17

Graham Williams

62.25

2nd M70

Karen Murray

68.08

Report Chris Elsley

Meeting fellow harriers at upper tean for the St. Thomas 7 on what was a very nice morning. The finish is next to the school on the sports field with the start a short climb though a cul de sac and a hedge onto a narrow lane then up until you get to the chalk starting line.

The lane being narrow made the start a bit crowded however Phil hilsdon was soon on the tail of carl moulton as we climbed for the first two miles over part of Cheadle 4 route I was having a battle with john wood on the steep downhill section down to the half way turn but started to pull away from him and picked off a few others as we climbed towards six miles and a sharp left hand turn up a nasty little climb which takes us back to the road we started on. we now head steeply downhill over the start line into tean with a tight left we climb up then left past the school before turning right into the finish.

One of the lads I went past at five miles was rob ibbs this was not the last I would see of him as he got me on the finishing line with the same time in a photo finish.

After collecting my oat cakes and goody bag I bumped in to Phil who had a great race finishing in second place to Carl Moulton then I watched the remaining harriers finish with Tracy Riding out sprinting a lady to Mark Churnton running Sunday as he was the chap who organised the first St Thomas 7 and made it the great race it is today.

Lichfield 10K

10th September 2017

Report Chris Elsley

James Found was the first Harrier home of 11 who entered James completed the 10k in 38:30 to finish

Position

Name

Time

PB

15th

James Found

38:30

PB

26th

Justin Green

39:37

37th

Michael Dobson

40:21

52nd

Adam Lightfoot

41:23

99th

Ben Deakin

44:01

PB

200th

Simon Groom

47:56

222nd

Chris Skellern

49:08

283rd

Mel Deakin

50:38

409th

Sarah Whyte

54:33

562nd

Gemma Gray

58:23

PB

917th

Sarah Gray

01:09:41

In an overall field of 1,023 finishers, Jonathan Read (Birchfield Harriers) was the race winner in 35:39 with team mate Katie Allen taking the ladies prize in 36:51 (7th overall)

Ipstone 5ish

9th Sept 2017

Report Graham Williams

Six Harriers travelled to Ipstone for the latest NSRRA race. I did this race many years ago when we started and finished at the Old Fire Station, now it is up the road at the local village hall. There is always a local fete taking place and there were several stalls, a tombola and BBQ. While we waited in the hall for the start, we were serenaded by a guitarist who sang several popular songs, outside it poured with rain! The start and finish were on a muddy wet field next to the hall. The race was started by the local Town Crier in full regalia. Having done a circuit of the field we entered a side road and ran the first mile up a steady incline. We then turned left and went down a muddy stony track. It then started to rain hard and there was a stream running down both sides. The course proceeded along some road and track sections with endless puddles. I gave up trying to go round the water and ran though them. At four miles we were confronted by a very steep hill before a gentle downhill section and finishing with a half circuit along an increasingly muddy field. At the end of the race we received a bottle of water and a nice medal. The race measured 4.95 miles hence the Ipstone 5ish.

Results:

Winner 27:21 Simon Myatt

First Lady 32:12 Kristina Defries

Spencer Holland

34.37

Ian Wood

36.25

Dave Marsden

39.29

Roy Clay

First Group F

41.23

Graham Williams

2nd over 70

46.47

Karen Murray

3rd Lady over 50

48.09

Report by Dave Marsden.

A group of 6 Harriers made their way to the village of Ipstones on the edge of Staffordshire Moorlands to take part in this vintage event. It has been going for many years now, the start and finish locations have changed but it has always taken place in early September to coincide with Ipstones village fete, to the best of my knowledge.

The weather was not the best, we were subjected to some distant relative of Hurricane Irma without the wind but plenty of rain. Runners sheltered in the Memorial Hall from the wet and the cold, some foregoing their warm-ups.

There was a brief respite from the rain as we got underway but it resumed with increasing intensity as we climbed out of the village. The road and track off the climb became shallow waterways.

The last mile is quite brutal. A steep hairpin climb is followed by a more gradual incline back into the village, finishing with an uphill,half circuit of a soggy grass field to the finish line.

ReportChris Elsley

Six Harriers went on a very wet Saturday to Ipstones to do this tough 5 ish mile race. This race has a country fete feel with stalls and entertainment no different this time although it was a bit restricted by the rain. We huddled in the memorial hall until the last minute then headed to the start at bottom of the field it had now stopped raining but it would not last. We started with a loop of the field and climb though Ipstone which was where I last saw Spencer in the distance,

Once the steep first hill was climbed you turn left and level out before a couple of small climbs the next left takes you downhill onto a slippery farm track it was now the rain returned with a vengeance. ( just look at Bryan Dales photos taken at four miles to see)

At around of four miles we have a short twisting climb before heading to the finish with half a lap climb around the field to finish by the memorial hall.

Autumn Handicap

7th Sept 2017

POSITION

NAME

TIME

HANDICAP

NET TIME

1

JACK HEATH

37:07

7:30

29:37

2

IAN HEATH

37:16

10:30

26:46

3

BETH DARK

38:28

8:00

30:28

4

DEAN HIBBITT

38:29

8:15

30:14

5

PHIL HILSDON

39:05

15:30

23:35

6

JASON LITTLEWOOD

39:08

13:00

26:08

7

JUSTIN GREEN

39:10

13:00

26:10

8

MATTHEW HILSDON

39:42

7:30

32:12

9

CHRIS ELSLEY

39:50

8:15

31:35

10

BEN GREEN

40:06

6:30

33:36

11

DEB McDERMOTT

40:07

6:30

33:37

12

JIM SMITH

40:08

11:30

28:38

13

CHRIS SKELLERN

40:37

7:00

33:37

14

CAROLINE NICKOL

40:47

7:00

33:47

15

ALAN JONES

41:17

11:15

30:02

16

MARK BURROWS

41:19

7:30

33:49

17

ROBERT MOTTRAM-JONES

41:24

13:00

31:24

18

LINZI JONES

41:29

2:45

38:44

19

MICHAEL BAMBER

41:29

2:45

38:44

20

IAN WOOD

41:39

12:00

29:39

21

SAFFRON LATHAM

41:59

7:00

34:59

22

KAREN MURRAY

45:26

6:30

38:56

23

JANE BISIKER

46:10

7:30

38:40

24

ALISON CONAGHAN

47:29

7:30

39:59

South Cheshire 20 & Wolverhampton

On Sunday runners had the choice of races with the South Cheshire 20 and the Wolverhampton Series comprising of a marathon, half marathon or 10k.

South Cheshire 20

3rd September

Report Chris Elsley

The South Cheshire 20 attracted 8 Harriers in a field of nearly 200 runners –and it was an especially good day for one of them as Debbie McDermott took the 3rd place in the Ladies 45 category.

The race starts from Shavington Leisure Centre and takes in the surrounding country lanes taking in the border villages of Weston, Betley, Audley and Barthomley before returning back to Shavington. It is a hilly course which provides a tough test for all.

The day started out like any other race where you get a horde of Harriers turning up to run, by planning which pub we were all going to after the race. It was a rather cool Sunday Morning with a few spots of rain in the air as we stood outside Shavington leisure centre waiting to be told that we could get on the road for the start.

My fellow Harriers, Ian Wood, Spencer Holland, Jason Littlewood, Ed Smith, Debs McDermott, Alan Jones, Kerry Robertson and myself lined up in the road poised and eager for the start, a young lady from South Cheshire Harriers stood on a table to give us some barely audible race instructions and then 187 runners were off.

As we trundled off up the carriageway and over the bridge to the first corner, the group started to spread out and we got into the flow of the race and dropped into a steady pace.

As we headed out of Shavington towards Weston and the lovely country side, thoughts start passing through the mind such as “I’m sure we’ve done 5 miles by now”, “did I put enough Vaseline on?” and the ever popular “Bloody Hell, look at the size of that place”. After mile 4, and the glow of Ian Woods Orange shorts disappearing in the distance, we made the right turn into the start of the loop that would take us out and back again. A well marshalled and well signposted route took us along mainly country roads out of Cheshire back into Staffordshire for the next 10 miles or so.

The course was planned for everyone to stick to the footpaths as much as possible to avoid any traffic related incidents, those roads that we had to cross had a well marshalled position to either stop the traffic or see us safely across the roads

Several picturesque villages (and some dodgy footpaths) later, we made our turn at mile 9 to begin the long leg towards Audley to begin the back half of the course and encountered a rather gentle incline past a farm and all the way up to mile 10.

Feeling rather pleased that the hill was conquered, without passing out, it was onwards towards the half marathon mark and beyond. A rather fantastic feeling passing the 13-mile marker leads to thoughts of a finishing time to begin floating around (as well as where the next water stop is.)

3 miles down the road, through some lovely countryside and very quiet roads, we began the run back towards the finishing line along the same roads we ran out on and a little rush of adrenaline kicks in as we know were so close to the end and helps to push us onwards.

Mile 18, so close to finish and only 2 miles to go. Legs start to feel a little tired now. But being so close you know you can’t give up. 20 minutes down the road is the finish line and the glory of being able to bag a 20 miler under the belt.

Mile 19, probably the hardest mile I’ve run in a long time, running towards the finish line cursing the race and the ever cheerful marshals, still smiling despite being stood in same place for several hours, with their “Not far now” comments swearing to myself that I’ll never run again, gave way to an immense feeling of satisfaction as crossing the finish line and being able to down several gallons of water means that the race is over, the distance conquered and someone has goody bag to handover.

Ian Woods was the first Harrier back in a respectable time of 2:29:52, closely followed by Spencer Holland and Jason Littlewood some 3 minutes and 6 minutes later.

A big shout out to our very own Debs McDermott who not only finished the race (despite telling everyone she could that she’d done no training) but also won third prize in her age category.

All in all a good race, with good support from the marshals, well signposted and worthy of anyone training for the full 26.2

Wolverhampton Series

3rd September

Report Chris Elsley

Only one Harrier was among the 214 who took on the challenge of the full 26.2 mile distance in Wolverhampton. Mark Birkett ran it in 3:18:31 to finish in an excellent 28th place. Mark Ince of Birmingham Running & Tri was 1st in 2:53:36 with Trentham’s Debbie Thomas the leading lady in 3:09:35.

Four Harriers took part in the Wolverhampton Half with three claiming a top 20 finish.

Position

Name

Time

PB

14th

Harry Perkins

01:25:08

19th

Justin Green

01:27:09

PB

20th

Robert Mottram-Jones

01:27:42

526th

John Hateley

02:35:20

584 runners completed the half which was won by Daniel Turner (Lawley RC) in 1:18:03 while Helen Tromans (Dudley Kingswinford RC) took the ladies prize in 1:31:27.

Adam Lightfoot ran the 10k in 42:56 to finish 32nd of 369 runners. Unattached runner Richard Whitewas first in 32:53 with another unattached runner – Lynne Hill – the first lady home in 40:18.

Rugeley 10K

27th august 2017

Report Chris Elsley

A small band of Harriers ran this cracking 10k on a very warm bank holiday Monday starting next to the Rugeley Leisure Centre.

Using part of the heritage trail and with a steep climb up to 5k just short of Marquis Drive. This is soon followed by a steep tricky downhill section towards the Stepping Stones then back to the heritage trail to finish.

It was a shame that only around 100 runners got to experience this great race.

Race winners

Matt Williams 38.46

Penelope Barber 46.19

Position

Name

Time

PB

7th

Spencer Holland

45:07

14th

Ian Wood

48:25

33rd

Chris Skellern

53:10

35th

Eddie Smith

54:25

97th

Sarah Gray

01:17:11

Ellesmere 10K

27th August 2017

No Race Report

Position

Name

Time

Extra

Extra2

Extra3

PB

258

John Finney

51:48

Stafford Harriers

Ages 70 – 74

1

579

John Hateley

01:06:32

Stafford Harriers

Ages 70 – 74

9

610

Karen Jones

01:09:19

Ages 50 – 54

22

653

Craig Harris

01:11:12

Male Senior

132

Borth Beach 10K

Sunday 20th August 2017.

Report Dave Marsden

Borth is a small seaside town just north of Aberyswyth. It has a long sandy beach that stretches northwards to the River Dovey estuary. The race, organised by Aberystwyth AC, is an out-and-back course along the beach.

The race started at 2.00pm to coincide with the low tide. Conditions were ideal, cloudy, still and with slight drizzle. As there were obviously no climbs, I thought this may be a comparatively easy course. It wasn’t. The soft, wet sand was reasonably firm but offered no return or spring of step compared with road or trail running. Also, running in a continuous straight line is very wearing especially when you turn to come back.. The finishing line seemed to be a long time coming. Despite this I enjoyed the event overall, it was well organised, reasonably priced and all entrants were given a pair of running socks, which I thought was a nice variation on the more usual prizes. Additionally, I was first in my age group for which I received a cheque for £10.00.

There were 114 finishers, the winner was Matthew Costello from Telford AC in 34:33. The first lady was Catherine Cole, Haldon Trail Runners in 44:25. My time was 48:46.

Leek Half

20th August 2017

No Race Report

Position

Name

Time

Cat

PB

42

Jason Littlewood

01:39:34

MSEN

72

Spencer Holland

01:45:35

M45

89

Simon Bromley

01:49:08

M40

113

Steve Turner

01:54:49

M55

116

Alan Jones

01:55:11

M50

163

Eddie Smith

02:03:12

M60

Dave Clark 5 Multi Terrain 5K

17th August 2017

No Race Report

Position

Name

Time

Cat

46

Adam Lightfoot

20:33

M Sen

74

Dave Marsden

22:12

M 60-64

75

Alan Jones

22:18

M 50-54 74

78

Nia Nokes

22:26

F Sen

110

Chris Skellern

24:24

F 55-59 549

156

Julie Nokes

29:36

F 55-59 47

Castlefields 5K Time Trials

9th August 2017

First Name

Surname

J/S

20-Apr-16

08-Jun-16

14-Sep-16

12-Apr-17

31-May-17

09-Aug-17

Kian

Arnott

J

–

22:05

–

–

–

–

Lindsay

Ashforth

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Ryan

Ashforth

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Michael

Bamber

S

–

–

–

28:31

29:08

–

Craig

Baxter

S

22:20

–

15:53

–

–

–

Nick

Beckett

S

23:53

23:23

–

22:20

21:21

21:09

Jenni

Beckett

S

30:51

30:08

–

24:23

24:39

24:19

Harry

Beckett

J

29:41

32:09

–

27:54

28:25

29:55

Isabelle

Beckett

J

31:04

31:25

–

27:16

28:56

30:44

Helen

Begg

S

–

–

–

–

–

32:31

Cathy

Behan

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Heather

Bennett

S

27:59

–

–

–

–

–

Jane

Bisiker

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

James

Black

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Matthew

Black

J

23:39

23:20

16:18

–

–

26:01

Olivia

Black

J

27:40

28:54

20:48

–

–

29:27

Matt

Bonney

J

19:48

20:09

–

18:39

–

–

Natalie

Boswell

S

–

26:36

–

–

–

–

Gemma

Brown

S

–

–

–

–

–

44:47

Naomi

Brownless

S

–

–

–

–

–

27:11

Katie

Burrows

J

34:26

–

–

–

–

–

Tracey

Burrows

S

34:27

–

–

–

–

–

Mark

Burrows

S

–

–

–

23:15

–

23:51

Chloe

Burrows

J

25:12

26:59

19:24

–

–

29:34

Steph

Burrows

S

–

–

–

–

–

30:20

Joanne

Carson

S

–

–

–

–

–

28:55

Amy

Cartwright

S

–

–

–

–

–

29:13

Angie

Charlesworth

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Faye

Codack

S

27:58

–

–

–

–

–

Cieron

Coghlan

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Ben

Cook

J

21:10

21:35

15:50

20:20

–

–

Lorraine

Cotterill

S

–

–

–

–

–

32:35

Harry

Dale

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Rachel

Darby

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Beth

Darke

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Evan

Davies-Fuller

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Ben

Deakin

J

21:25

21:50

15:21

20:46

21:41

21:05

Mel

Deakin

S

24:25

24:43

–

24:04

–

24:03

Mark

Deakin

S

–

27:15

17:01

–

25:03

24:54

Liam

Duggan

S

20:31

21:17

14:36

20:30

20:13

20:27

Ruth

Edwards

S

25:37

–

–

–

–

–

Mandi

Edwards

S

–

–

–

–

–

39:59

Chris

Elsley

S

21:20

21:40

–

–

–

–

Anabel

Evans

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Michelle

Evans

S

32:29

32:23

–

–

–

–

Lorraine

Flory

S

–

–

–

–

32:06

–

Michelle

Fox

S

–

–

–

20:37

–

–

John

Freeman

S

–

–

–

24:43

–

23:32

Harvey

Freeman

S

–

–

–

–

–

32:21

Peter

French

S

–

–

–

–

–

34:31

Debbie

Garcia

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Karl

Gillibrand

S

–

–

–

24:02

–

–

Libby

Gonsalves

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Robbie

Gorman

J

19:19

20:03

14:14

18:37

–

–

Robert

Gray

J

–

23:34

–

–

–

–

Will

Gray

J

–

25:32

–

–

–

–

Gemma

Gray

S

–

–

–

–

31:55

–

Sarah

Gray

S

–

35:12

–

–

32:54

31:42

Justin

Green

S

–

–

–

–

19:21

19:43

Ben

Green

J

–

–

–

–

27:09

26:55

Alice

Hawkins

S

–

–

–

30:33

31:09

30:11

Claire

Heath

S

–

–

21:50

–

–

–

Ian

Heath

S

–

20:45

14:19

19:53

–

–

Jack

Heath

J

–

23:52

16:20

23:55

–

–

Dean

Hibbitt

S

–

–

–

–

–

22:57

Phil

Hilsdon

S

12:54

18:05

19:16

17:50

Matthew

Hilsdon

J

–

–

17:03

21:31

21:58

22:20

Karen

Hilsdon

S

–

–

–

–

30:24

31:05

Nathan

Hine

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

George

Hodkinson

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Jack

Hodkinson

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Ian

Hodkinson

S

–

–

–

20:26

20:05

–

Spencer

Holland

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Alex

Jackson

S

–

–

–

27:04

–

–

Ewan

Jackson

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Alix

Jackson

S

–

–

–

–

27:33

26:46

Rohiatou

Jobe

S

–

–

–

–

–

32:52

Sarah

Johnson

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Andy

Jones

S

–

–

–

20:41

–

–

Ben

Jones

J

22:11

22:04

16:10

24:45

–

–

Lindzi

Jones

S

–

–

–

30:03

29:07

–

Alan

Jones

S

–

–

–

–

22:20

22:02

Jason

Littlewood

S

–

–

–

–

20:35

19:25

Gabby

Lufton

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Rachel

Marsden

S

–

–

–

–

–

29:48

Alison

Martland

S

–

–

–

33:31

36:13

–

Chris

McCrady

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Debbie

McDermot

S

–

–

18:05

–

–

–

Steve

McHugh

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Maxine

Mills

S

–

–

–

–

–

31:01

Ellie

Mills

S

–

–

–

–

–

32:50

Julie

Mogey

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Kieron

Mogey

J

24:17

24:25

16:16

–

–

–

Ali

Morgan

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Louise

Morgan

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Adam

Morris

S

–

–

–

–

–

28:15

Robert

Motram Jones

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Amy

Oliver

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Jo

Oliver

S

–

–

19:36

–

–

–

Mark

Oliver

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Jake

Oliver

J

22:29

22:46

19:20

21:29

22:29

–

Chris

Owen

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Amber

Page

J

–

–

19:20

–

–

–

Ollie

Patrick

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Dave

Payling

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Lucy

Payne

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Amanda

Pearce

S

29:36

–

–

–

–

–

Taygen

Pike

J

22:45

24:33

18:35

–

–

26:34

Claire

Pilsbury

S

–

–

–

27:14

–

–

David

Plant

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Jonathon

Platt

S

–

–

–

–

–

26:42

Selina

Powell

S

–

–

–

–

26:02

26:43

Polly

Pye

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Charlotte

Reeves

S

–

29:23

–

27:19

–

28:05

Paula

Roderich

S

–

26:52

–

–

–

–

Danielle

Salkind

S

–

–

–

–

–

44:47

Will

Sammons

J

19:06

19:57

–

19:47

–

20:24

Jack

Sammons

S

–

–

–

–

–

24:44

Chantel

Sandford

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Lisa

Sanzeri

S

–

–

–

–

24:07

–

Caitlin

Saunders

J

–

–

–

26:01

24:48

27:03

Nigel

Smith

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Sandra

Smith

S

–

–

18:34

–

–

–

Jim

Smith

S

22:27

21:39

14:50

–

–

23:31

Shirley

Smith

S

–

–

–

30:33

30:14

29:25

Ellie

Smith (Blue)

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Danny

Stevens

J

–

28:10

–

–

–

–

Valerie

Stuart

S

–

–

–

36:06

38:02

37:47

Hannah

Talbot

J

–

–

–

–

–

–

Stacey

Terry

S

–

–

–

31:11

–

–

Michelle

Turner

S

–

–

–

–

–

37:41

Helen

Underwood

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Nick

Walklett

J

–

–

15:22

–

–

–

Rachel

Weaver

S

–

–

–

–

–

30:06

Rose

White

J

–

–

–

26:46

–

–

Mark

White

S

–

–

–

–

21:45

–

Ian

Williams

S

–

–

–

–

–

–

Lucas

Wilson

J

–

–

–

–

21:46

–

Keith

Wilson

S

–

–

–

–

–

28:36

Ellie

Withington

J

–

28:55

19:35

–

–

–

Cannock Chase 10k

6th August 2017

Report by Chris Elsley

Stafford Harriers’ Harry Perkins finished in an excellent 2nd place in Sunday’s Cannock Chase 10k, being beaten to the line by Richard McKenna (Shropshire Shufflers) by just two seconds after running the route in 38m 10s.

Four of Perkins’ club mates also took part in the event which attracted over 650 entries.

Jon Freeman finished 155th in a time of 52:52, Helen Richardson 179th in 54:21, John Richardson 180th in 54:24 and Russell Horsley 290th in 59:35.

Kim Fawke of Lawley RC was the leading lady in 9th place (40m 29s)

Position

Name

Time

PB

2nd

Harry Perkins

38:10

155th

Jon Freeman

52:52

179th

Helen Richardson

54:21

180th

John Richardson

54:24

290th

Russ Horsley

59:35

Trentham 10k

6th August 2017

Report by Chris Elsley

More than 230 runners completed one of the longest running races in the area on Sunday in what was the 42nd year of the Trentham 10K.

The race consists of a hilly one lap course, starting and finishing in the village of Tittensor but despite the tough climbs involved, it remains a popular one amongst local runners.

Ten Stafford Harriers were among the entrants with Jason Littlewood the first of them to finish, completing the course in 43m 7s to take 31st place overall.

Position

Name

Time

PB

31st

Jason Littlewood

43:07

45th

Spencer Holland

44:32

50th

Ian Wood

45:00

88th

Alan Jones

49:12

113th

Chris Skellern

51:38

131st

Tracy Ridings

53:38

133rd

John Finney

53:39

154th

Graham Williams

56:34

189th

Gael Earp

01:04:10

212th

John Hateley

01:09:25

The race winner was Charlie Hulson of Sale Harriers in a time of 32m 21s while Kristina Deffries (Trentham) was the first lady finishing 16th overall in a time of 40m 20s

Meerbrook 15

29th July 2017

Report by Chris Elsley

The major race at the weekend was the Meerbrook 15k.

This event is said to be one of the hilliest of its type in the country although a downhill start greets all runners as they head back into the village. But the notorious Gun Hill awaits with the climb made famous in the Tour of Britain cycle races soon thinning out the field.

Another down hill awaits but the climbing is not yet over as runners have to ascend Gun Hill once more before the final run down to the finish at Meerbrook.

Ian Wood was the first of six competing Harriers to complete the course, finishing in 106th in a time of 71m 52 secs, just three seconds ahead of club mate Spencer Holland.

Dave Marsden finished 197th in 79m 50s while Tracy Ridings came home in 88m 22s (260th).

The race was won by Heanor’s Joe Rainsford in 52m 15s with Wilmslow’s Diane McVey taking the Ladies prize in a time of 60m 5s

Report by Ian Wood

After celebrating Gill and Jack Hodkinson’s birthdays it was a early start to get to Meerbrook for the 10.00 start. If you fancy doing this race next year a few things you will need to know firstly it is the 15k now held on a Saturday and is said to be the third most hilly course in England.

The start is a 15 minute walk from the race HQ in Meerbrook up hill towards leek over a cattle grid and up a farm track the race usually starts late due to runners arriving late at the start, a 10 minute delay this year.

The climb to the start means a downhill run back into Meerbrook which is where the first climb starts up gun hill for 2km which was when I went past Spencer. The view from the top is amazing the following few kilometres are all downhill past the water station which to my favourite part of the course the hairpin climb out of the valley and zig zag up the hill before I knew it I was going past 10 km and looping back to the water station for the second time the next 3km climbed back to gun hill passing several fellow runners just short of 13km we started to drop down gun hill to Meerbrook this was when the boot was on the the other foot and I lost a few places over the last 2km as I finished Spencer was literally seconds behind me.

This year’s race was also a inter county race with north Wales, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire and Cheshire.

Staffs Knot

The main event was run over a brand new single lap course and with a £400 prize on offer to the fastest man it attracted a high quality field.

It was Tipton’s Martin Williams who led from the front to take the top prize, finishing in 26m 33s. Trentham’s Simon Myatt followed in some 23 seconds later, just popping James Skelton while for Stafford Half Marathon winner Carl Moulton (Boalloy) finished in 4th.

Leading the way for the host club was Phil Hilsdon who finished 8th in 30m 18s.

Harry Perkins (17th – 31m 28s), James Found (28th – 32m 35s) and Jason Littlewood (29th – 32m 39s) also finished in the top 30 in a field of 352.

The Ladies prize of £200 went to Sally Gray of Cannock & Stafford who finished in 33m 51s.

The leading Harrier lady was Michelle Fox (69th – 35m 34s).

Position

Name

Time

PB

8

Phil Hilsdon

30:18

16

Harry Perkins

31:28

28

James Found

32:35

29

Jason Littlewood

32:39

PB

31

Matt Bonney

32:53

34

Robert Mottram-Jones

33:05

36

Ian Heath

33:19

PB

49

Liam Duggan

34:10

PB

53

Spencer Holland

34:22

60

Ben Deakin

34:49

70

Michelle Rushton-Fox

35:34

82

Ian Wood

36:06

89

Nick Beckett

36:41

134

Stella Dennis

38:54

136

Dean Hibbitt

38:56

139

Nia Nokes

39:08

141

Chris Skellern

39:24

173

Jon Freeman

40:47

178

Jenny Beckett

41:25

183

Roy Clay

41:49

187

Mel Deakin

41:56

195

Dean Smith

42:09

200

Caroline Nichol

42:18

212

Selena Powell

42:49

235

Georgina Coggins

44:39

236

Saffron Latham

44:41

239

John Finney

44:44

240

Russ Horsley

44:52

243

Kerry Robertson

44:54

248

Graham Williams

45:14

259

Rachel Smith

46:08

262

Karen Murray

46:23

269

Jonathan Platt

47:02

278

Joanne Carson

48:16

291

Laura Agu

49:40

292

Julie Nokes

49:44

293

Michael Bamber

49:52

294

Linzi Jones

49:52

299

Tessa Jasper

51:05

302

Shirley Smith

51:24

PB

314

Julie Birtles

52:28

PB

315

Gael Earp

52:47

323

Lorraine Flory

53:34

324

John Hateley

53:37

334

Michelle Turner

56:58

348

Megan Emery

01:04:22

349

Hayley Steele

01:05:00

352

Kim Smith

01:17:35

Photos of some of our runners. Sorry the phone camera wasn’t very good in the shade.

Queens Park 5k series race 2 of 3, Crewe

Tuesday 25th July 2017

Report Mel Deakin

This is a series of three 5k runs in Crewe over the summer organised by South Cheshire Harriers. Ben and I did all three last year, that was before we had Cannock parkrun on our doorstep and found they were a great way of challenging ourselves to improve. This year we can only make one of the dates but decided we would make the effort to go back despite it being the day before Staffs Knot and see if we could beat our best times from last year. The course is through Queens Park, all off road, mainly on tarmac path but a short trail path section and wooden bridge to get over – and a hill!

We got stuck in a traffic jam on the way to Crewe – we sprinted from the car park to the start line and arrived at 6:58 for a 7:00 start! No time to worry about anything before the gun sounded and we were off. The first 1.5 km is flat, and the field soon thinned out and there was plenty of space to overtake if you needed to. Then came the hill down, over the bridge and to the turn point before heading back up the hill. I knew from last year once you get to the top of the hill you can see the 4k marker and it is flat thereafter. That didn’t make the hill any easier, neither did the fact I realised in the rushed start I hadn’t started my watch so didn’t know my splits, or did running the last 500m with one lace undone!! I had to wait until the following day for the results to find out I had improved by just 9 seconds but I was still pleased and I was first FV45. Ben took 16 seconds off his best time and ran sub 21 which eluded him last year. Despite the journey we were really glad we went and had a good evening out.

RESULTS:

1st Chris Williams Vale Royal AC 16:06

1st Female Holly Weedall Vale Royal AC 17:46

49th Ben Deakin Stafford Harriers 20:49

90th Melonie Deakin Stafford Harriers 24:09

161 finished

Race to the Stones 100K

22 July 2017

Report Nick Beckett

Last weekend I took on my most challenging run to date, the Race to the Stones 100k ultra marathon. Two years previous I attempted a 100k and got a DNF so this was my chance to put that to bed once and for all!
My training had gone well, lost a bit of weight and planned the run fully, leaving nothing to chance. I had got a marathon PB the month before so I was feeling confident and prepared. I even had all the gear and some idea!
The start was 7:30am, cloudy and busy. I set off with the stupid people who were doing it all in one go! The first 10k went past very quick, with 2 steep hill walks and a pit stop. The second 10k I went through the infamous ‘field of dreams’ which was a massive corn field, beautiful. It started raining for a while which suited me totally, love the rain.
Jenni and the kids met me at pit stop 3 which was a welcome surprise, always great to see your family when on a long run. I managed to run (walk up the steep hills) the whole 31 miles to the half way point. First marathon was done in 4:30, which although very happy with it was a bit quicker than I had planned.
After stopping for half an hour with my pit crew, it was time to go. The next 9 miles were fine and as I approached the 40 mile mark I knew it was going to start getting tough, it did. It was lonely and getting warm. At mile 49 my only companion (my watch) ran out of battery, so I didn’t even have the occasional beep to break the silence, also after 50 miles trying to work out timings and things is near on impossible!!! Mile 50 to 56 I was feeling quite depressed, I was still running, shuffling, but I was feeling sad. Got to the final pit stop and loaded myself with coffee and coke and my new favourite fruit satsumas. I felt much better for just having some banter with the staff, who were amazing!
The last 6 miles hurt but they were a formality. At 95k I chuckled (to myself) and said “only a parkrun to go!” There was no PB for that parkrun I can assure you. I managed to run the last 3k non stop and as I approached the finishing straight my twins ran in the field next to me and I tried talking to them but I couldn’t! As I crossed the line I was emotional and as Jenni hugged me I said “I bloody did it!” And then cried!!!
I loved every minute of this race and I am already planning my next 100k next year. It was so well organised and the support was amazing. Thank you to everyone at the club who have supported me through this journey, but my biggest thanks has to go to my family who keep trailing around with me and on this day they trailed around for 13 hours and 11 mins! (Sub 12 next year!)

JCB 5

13th July 2017

No Race Report

Position

Name

Time

PB

8

Phil Hilsdon

30:43

9

Ryan Nokes

31:07

22

Robert Mottram-Jones

33:08

24

Jason Littlewood

33:19

PB

25

Ian Heath

33:21

30

Ian Hodkinson

33:57

37

Adam Lightfoot

34:39

38

Liam Duggan

34:39

PB

40

Ben Deakin

34:40

PB

41

Ian Wood

34:42

50

Gemma Gray

36:01

61

Robert Proctor

36:52

70

Simon Bromley

37:39

73

Gareth Hudson

37:56

76

Alan Jones

37:59

77

Steve Turner

38:10

91

Tim Hough

39:19

95

Nia Nokes

39:27

98

Chris Skellern

39:38

99

Mark Burrows

39:39

114

Mel Deakin

40:44

133

Nicol Hudson

41:50

137

Caroline Nichol

42:07

136

John Finney

42:07

153

Eddie Smith

43:24

160

Jo Oliver

44:13

161

Mark Oliver

44:14

181

Karen Murray

46:24

204

Alison Conaghan

48:38

210

Evie Whyte

48:56

209

Sarah Whyte

48:56

211

Julie Nokes

48:59

235

Charlotte Ward

51:03

250

Sarah Gray

55:58

Cheadle 4

9th July 2017

No Race reports

Pos

time

no

name

club

cat

nsrra no

nsrra group

18

24.20

23

R. Nokes

Stafford Harriers

M

35

25.56

409

R Mottram-Jones

Stafford Harriers

MV55

1

B

52

27.31

222

S Holland

Stafford Harriers

MV45

778

C

77

29.04

9

B Deakin

Stafford Harriers

M

82

29.21

319

I Wood

Stafford Harriers

MV50

356

C

100

30.26

310

A Jones

Stafford Harriers

MV50

74

E

132

32.08

850

C Skellern

Stafford Harriers

LV55

549

M

141

33.16

756

M Deakin

Stafford Harriers

LV45

174

36.39

809

K Murray

Stafford Harriers

LV50

224

M

Summer Handicap

6th July 2017

The winners were:-

1 Matthew Hilsdon

2 Matt Bonney

3 Peter Williams 1st time so no prize

4 Ben Cook.

POS

NAME

TIME

HANDICAP

NET TIME

1

MATTHEW HILSDON

35.50

6.30

29.20

2

MATT BONNEY

37.23

12.15

25.08

3

PETER WILLIAMS

38.05

2.30

35.35

4

BEN COOK

39.00

10.00

29.00

5

SPENCER HOLLAND

39.05

12.00

27.05

6

ROBERT M JONES

39.11

12.00

27.11

7

ADAM LIGHTFOOT

39.50

12.00

27.5

8

BEN DEAKIN

40.01

12.00

28.01

9

MICHELLE FOX

40.01

12.45

27.16

10

DEAN HIBBITT

40.22

8.30

31.52

11

CHRIS SKELLERN

40.36

7.30

33.06

12

IAN HEATH

40.56

10.30

30.26

13

MARK BURROWS

41.15

8.30

32.45

14

ALAN JONES

41.36

11.15

30.21

15

RUTH EDWARDS

42.09

6.45

35.24

16

BETH DARK

42.18

8.00

34.09

17

GRAHAM WILLIAMS

43.12

5.30

37.42

18

SIMON GROOM

42.22

12.00

30.22

19

ALFIE DARBY

42.43

6.45

35.58

20

KEV DARBY

42.44

6.45

35.59

21

TINA DARDY

42.53

5.30

37.23

22

LINZI JONES

43.18

2.30

40.48

23

MICHEAL BAMBER

43.19

3.45

39.34

24

KAREN MURRY

44.53

6.45

38.08

25

ALLISON MARTLAND

49.36

0.00

49.36

Marcus Gynn Newmarket 10k

Sunday 2nd July 2017

Report by Mel Deakin

5am start to get to this event – you may think we are mad but Ben and I ran this event last year and enjoyed it so decided to return. It is also a good excuse to meet up with my sister and nephew who are Ely Runners, this is just down the road for them.

The race is just outside Newmarket in the pretty village of Stetchford. This part of the world is known for being flat, however this 10k is certainly not that! I think it must find every hill in the area as it has ups and downs throughout, with a long drag uphill to the finish. It is multi terrain, starting on grass, then parts on road, path and bridleway. The countryside was stunning, the sun certainly helped but this was one of those events it was just good to be at.

I had not run for a week before due to a sore calf, so decided to take it steady. Taking a week off was really difficult as that was the longest break I had since starting running in 2013. But on the day I really felt the benefit, for once the kilometre markers came too fast, I didn’t want to finish! My time was over a minute faster than last year – lesson learnt.

Meanwhile, Ben, having no particular race plan galloped around, and by the time I had finished he had warmed down as was on his way to the homemade cake stall to refuel. Great medal in the shape of a horseshoe – but after all Newmarket is horse country. Ben was first U21 male and was awarded a small trophy to keep and the Sean Harper cup which he gets to keep for a year then must return. I guess we’ll be back at next year’s event then!